From 2009 to 2013, the number of Americans using prescription opiates declined 9.2%, yet both the number of opioid prescriptions filled and the number of days of medication per prescription rose more than 8% in that time period.

More than half (58%) of shoppers who use mobile devices indicate that they prefer to look up information on their devices while shopping, according to a new report released Tuesday by the Consumer Electronics Association.

Old Spice launched its first holiday toy donation program with nonprofit Second Chance Toys, an organization with a goal of keeping plastic toys away from landfills by donating them to children in need.

Camila Alves, wife of actor Matthew McConaughey, is teaming up with Target throughout 2015 to reach shoppers with tips and ideas about everything from beauty must-haves to baby advice, according to Target.

Recently, NACDS provided a summary of the 2014 midterm elections, with an emphasis on the federal level. This memo includes an overview of the state elections, which will shape the operating environment on pivotal state issues.

Jan Reed, Walgreens corporate VP and general counsel currently is working on the completion of the second step of the Walgreens/Alliance Boots merger, which will fully combine the two companies. Reed brings experience across a number of industries, including service, health care and manufacturing, to her role at Walgreens.

Being a mentor and paying it forward is one of the more critical roles of a leader, noted Jill Turner-Mitchael, Sam’s Club SVP health-and-wellness, who hails from Texas and has piloted Sam’s Club’s journey toward becoming a healthcare destination center.

CVS Health’s Judy Sansone is widely regarded as a straight-shooting, savvy merchant with experience at various ends of the business. Today she serves as SVP, merchandising and personalization for CVS Health.

Judy Wray is helping to reinvent the beauty experience at Rite Aid. The chain’s beauty department’s new look features a much more interactive experience and the addition of more prestige cosmetic and skin care lines. Also in select stores, Rite Aid Beauty Advisors — specially trained to assist shoppers with all the beauty brands Rite Aid carries — offer demonstrations and education.

What happens when you take two cultures, both customer-focused and willing to embrace change to better the business, and blend them together? That’s the big project on the desk of Kathleen WilsonThompson, Walgreens Boots Alliance’s designated EVP and global chief human resources officer, who will be working to bring “let’s feel good” to “the corner of Happy and Healthy.”

Christina Hennington, SVP health and beauty at Target, grew up in Sweden and Norway, which she credits for her strong values and work ethic. “My values and my work ethic stem from my Scandinavian roots. I strive for excellence in my work, but place a premium on integrity, fairness and treating people with respect,” she said.

Today, she champions the ability for pharmacists to practice at the top of their license for one of the more progressive retail pharmacy chains, but Debbie Garza, divisional VP government relations at Walgreens, got her start on the beauty side of the business.

Because retail pharmacy represents the frontlines of health care today, the drug store operator who best connects to their customer/patient base gains a significant competitive advantage. That means willing with people.

“Our business imperative is an intentional connection to our customers and patients for all that supports healthier lives,” Dedra Castle told DSN.

CVS Health president and CEO Larry Merlo once told Eileen Howard Boone: “Never give up on success. Stay committed to winning, and don’t be deterred by obstacles. They make you stronger and more creative. Be persistent and do what it takes to win — the right way.”

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SPECIAL REPORTS

Are we in the midst of a beauty revolution? Perhaps. It is no secret that the ever-changing beauty category is all about trends, but one could argue that we are embarking on an especially interesting time in beauty as technology is changing the way consumers shop and new innovations strive to break through the noise.

In this beauty report, Drug Store News takes a deeper dive into some of the leading trends that are reshaping beauty.more ...

IN THIS ISSUE

In this issue, DSN examines PricewaterhouseCoopers' "Top Health Industry Issues for 2015;" takes you on a tour of Murad, shares beauty trends and insights and delves into location-based technology and how it is revolutionizing health, retail.Click here to view the issue.